The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is launching a pilot program to install up to 200 free condom dispensers in public places in all NWT communities to combat the ongoing syphilis outbreak.
To launch this programme, the Department of Health and Human Services is working with the business, education and local government sectors to identify locations where condom dispensers can be placed. Free condoms will be available in public places that people visit frequently, as well as places that are open outside of regular hours. Efforts will prioritize smaller communities with limited access to purchasing condoms.
The Northwest Territories has one of the highest rates of syphilis in Canada. In response, the health care system is increasing awareness and testing efforts to find and treat infections, including promotion of how to prevent infections. Free condoms have been identified as a priority and gap in current sexual health promotion in the NWT. Although condom use does not guarantee complete protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), men who use condoms regularly during their sexual encounters can significantly reduce the risk of STIs. This project aims to ensure there is a constant supply of condoms throughout the NWT during the syphilis outbreak to limit the spread and improve access to safer sex options.
Dispensers will begin to be placed in communities over the next few weeks.
For more information on the syphilis outbreak, visit:
For media requests, please contact:
Jeremy Bird
Manager, Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
Jeremy_Bird@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49034